Camden County Preparing For Possible Severe Thunderstorms

Camden County is preparing for the possibility of severe thunderstorms, wind gusts and hail Wednesday afternoon.

“Camden County crews are clearing inlet tops of debris, checking on flood gates and preparing barricades and cones in case of the need for road closures,” Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Works, said. “Our chippers are fueled and hitched to trucks and chainsaws are fueled and ready in the event downed trees or limbs that could block county roadways.”

Wednesday’s warm weather means there is a potential for strong to borderline severe thunderstorms later this afternoon into the early evening. Storms may begin shortly after 3 p.m.

Wind gusts in excess of 60 mph are possible with this storm, meaning there could be damage to trees and power lines. Quick and heavy downpours may bring localized flooding in areas of poor drainage. Small to medium sized hail and perhaps an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, officials said.

Residents are encouraged to drive with caution and avoid low-lying areas where flooding is known to occur, and avoid any downed power lines.

“If flooding occurs in our area, never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway,” Shin Angulo said. “Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road.”

In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, residents should remember to immediately call their utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore power. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:

• PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
• PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
• Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
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• South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
• South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/

As always, residents should use 911 for emergencies only. Anyone who sees a problem on a county road should call the county’s 24-hour hotline at 856-566-2980 to report it to Department of Public Works.

Patch file photo